James Franklin Named To Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List

Penn State received even more preseason hype for the upcoming football season on Wednesday morning when head coach James Franklin was named to the Dodd Trophy preseason watch list along with 18 other FBS coaches.

Every year, the award is given to the best college football coach of the year based on his team’s performances on and off the field. The nominating committee of the trophy consists of all surviving previous winners of the award, select members of the media, college football hall of famers, and an immediate family member of Bobby Dodd, the legendary Georgia Tech coach who the award is named after.

Joining Franklin on the watch list are a trio of Big Ten rivals, Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, and Wisconsin’s Paul Chryst. Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno is one of only two coaches to win the award twice, after receiving it in 1982 and 2005.

The Dodd Trophy winner is announced each year at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, which Franklin could potentially coach in if the Nittany Lions don’t make the College Football Playoff.

About Author

Mikey is a sophomore journalism major and staff writer for Onward State from Bedminster, NJ. Unfortunately, Mikey roots for the New York Jets and the New York Mets, but he is also a huge fan of the New Jersey Devils. He loves to watch sports, talk & write about sports, and spend time with his friends & family. If there isn't enough hockey content in your social media feeds already, you can follow Mikey on Twitter @mikey_mandarino, and on Instagram @mikey.mandarino. You can also contact him via email at [email protected]